Westquay, Southampton
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty of Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.
From city celebrations and outdoor festivals to family attractions and seasonal events, Hampshire offers an exciting calendar of events throughout 2026. This autumn in Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with the return of the colourful International Kite Festival filling the skies above Southsea Common (F) 12 - 13 September, whilst in November, We Shine returns, with light illuminations and displays from 19 - 21 November (F). In Winchester, its the fantastic annual torchlight procession and fireworks display that is a must for the diary, (7 November) filling the streets of this historic town with families, friends, visitors and residents alike, whilst in Basingstoke there's a whole host of spooktacular free family-fun this October half term in the town centre.
Don't miss the chance to enjoy the thrilling Go Ape experience by night this autumn at Itchen Valley Park, Southampton (16 October - 8 November), or miss the UK's biggest Oktoberfest at Southampton Guildhall Square, with music, Bavarian food and a themed marquee (23 - 24 October). Pick up a new autumn wardrode with a visit to John Lewis at WestQuay, or join their upcoming home design talk for some great ideas to refresh your decor (16 October) - a great all-weather day out. Enjoy the changing of the season with the Jane Austen circular walk, a four and half mile trail that starts from Jane Austen's House and explores some of East Hampshire's beautiful countryside.
From scenic coastlines and vibrant events to cosy villages, walking trails and excellent places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal destination for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 summer adventure today and discover some of the county's top events, attractions and experiences.
Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year. From coastal festivals and city celebrations to countryside walks, food experiences and family attractions, Hampshire offers one of the most varied events calendars in South East England.
.jpg)
You can find a wide range of events taking place across Hampshire today and this weekend, including theatre shows, interactive workshops, wildlife experiences and outdoor events in the Hampshire countryside. Use the date filters above, or browse the listings to find lots of inspiration and ideas for something happening near you. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (Free) taking place.
If you're travelling from outside the county for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs. Search Hampshire accommodation to plan your stay, whether your choose the coastal city of Portsmouth or Southampton, Winchester - the ancient capital of England - or a more rural stay in Chawton or Alton, East Hampshire.
Yes, Hampshire hosts a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year, from nature trails, outdoor festivals, science fairs and interactive school holiday activities. Use the 'type filter' in the search box above and choose family to find suitable events. During the summer holidays and key seasonal periods, you'll find even more events designed for children and families, with activities suitable for all ages.
Yes. South Western Railway connects more than 50 stations across Hampshire with London Waterloo, Vauxhall and Clapham Junction making a day trip or weekend break easy from London. Book your rail tickets and enjoy your next event in Hampshire.
The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for what's on this weekend or planning further ahead, you'll find plenty of inspiration. If you're local or visiting Hampshire for the first time, use the 'Map View' button to discover events happening near you.
Some of the events below take place on the Isle of Wight, which is easily accessible by ferry or hovercraft from Portsmouth or Lymington.
Number of results: 148
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Arts
Romsey
The Association for Contemporary Jewellery (ACJ) Wessex proudly presents Winter Jewels 2026, an inspiring exhibition of handcrafted jewellery by leading studio makers from across Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire.
Heritage & History
Waterloville
A contingent from the Butser IX Roman Legion will be in residence around the Roman Villa at Butser Ancient Farm with demonstrations, roman cooking, crafts, games and more.
Sporting Event
Portsmouth
SailGP returns to the UK with fast and furious racing set to take place right here in Portsmouth.
Christmas
Sandown
Celebrate the festive season at Wildheart Wonderland, a magical Christmas experience at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary on the Isle of Wight. On Friday 4 and Saturday 5 December 2026, the sanctuary will open after dark and transform into an…
Christmas
Sandown
The Garlic Farm's annual Christmas Market brings together the festive Pop-Up Shop and a weekend of local artisan stalls, seasonal food and Christmas cheer
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Friday December 4, Saturday 5, Friday 11, Saturday 12
Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm
Kick off the festive season with a magical evening with the Hawk Conservancy Trust's owls! They'll be flying their awesome owls under moonlight…
Walking
The Close, Winchester
Have fun (re)discovering Winchester with two quirky treasure‑hunt walks that get you spotting things you’ve never noticed before.
It’s a fresh‑air adventure that’s fun, affordable, and perfect for all ages.
Music
Whiteley
Enjoy a fabulous evening of George Michael tribute music, street food supper, followed by dancing to the lively tunes of our resident DJ at The Solent Hotel in Whiteley.
Sporting Event
Freshwater
Chilly Hilly returns to the Isle of Wight on 13 December 2026, offering runners a challenging 10-mile cross-country route through the stunning landscapes of the West Wight. With spectacular views, demanding hills and a friendly community atmosphere,…
Festival
Newport
The award winning Isle of Wight Festival is steeped in history and famed for mixing iconic legendary artists with the hottest up and coming acts.
Childrens Events
New Forest
Step into a world of autumnal magic and treasured memories this October half-term at Beaulieu.
Christmas
Brockenhurst
Begin the countdown to Christmas with New Forest chocolatier Kerry Witt as you create your own handcrafted chocolate advent calendar at Careys Manor Hotel
Sporting Events
23 Harbour Parade, Southampton
Want to discover the newest winter fashion trends and brands for the upcoming season? Join the Personal Stylists from John Lewis Southampton for an intimate look at the key trends and must-have essentials shaping this winter's wardrobe.
Christmas
Ryde
Get into the Christmas spirit with a creative Christmas Wreath Decorating Workshop at Quarr Abbey on the Isle of Wight.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Brockenhurst
Treat (not trick) your little swashbucklers to some scarily good fun on the Beaulieu River this Halloween.
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Smart on Sunday 8 November 2026.
All Smart owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu to park up in the museum grounds, for a day out that owners and enthusiasts will enjoy. The event is set to…
Conferences
Whiteley
To celebrate the opening of the Hambledon, the newest conference suite at The Solent Hotel and Spa, we're offering our local partners a choice of complimentary add-ons with every qualifying booking of a residential meeting.
School Holidays
Sandown
Save money this October half term at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary on the Isle of Wight with a online 'Buy one child ticket, Get one free offer'
Other
Winchester
Heading away on a cruise from Southampton? Start your holiday stress-free with the Cruise & Park Package at voco Winchester Hotel & Spa.
Fireworks
Fleet
Fleet Lions Fireworks Fiesta is on Saturday November 7th, at Calthorpe Park, Reading Road North, Fleet, GU51 4AD. We're really looking forward to giving the public a fabulous display and a great night out.
It will be Fleet's main display and we'll…
© Visit South East England 2026. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
